A challenger has emerged in the race for City Council seat E.
Anthony Longo is running a write-in campaign against incumbent Dennis Robinson. Longo filed financial disclosure paperwork with City Hall on Monday, and has posted campaign signs around town.
Longo — a father of three, U.S. Navy veteran, and resident of Unalaska since 2011 — said in a statement that he understands the unique qualities of living on the island, and that his interest in serving on the City Council is to ensure Unalaskans are fairly represented.
"Over the years, I have stood by watching as the local council has made decisions that adversely affect our community, without considering the concerns of their constituents," Longo said. "As Unalaskans, a dilemma we face when voting for local council is the lack of transparency amongst our candidates. I believe there should always be transparency in government. Transparency in government is what you will get when you vote for me."
Longo said he has no "income or real-estate" conflicts of interest with the city and that he will achieve no personal gain from council decisions, other than to make the community he lives in a better place.
Longo's name will not appear on the Municipal Election ballot nor will election workers be able to tell Unalaskans that he is running, but votes for him will still be counted.
Incumbent Dennis Robinson, who was running unopposed for reelection at seat E, said in a statement that he welcomes Longo to a public race, "as it is his right."
"I also look forward to his answers to the questions that were posed to all City Council candidates that filed a timely declaration of candidacy," he said. "It is important to be transparent to the voters in Unalaska. My statement and offer for the residents still stands, I am willing to answer any questions that the residents have or I will guide you to where they can be answered if I can't answer them. My number is 581-1542."
Absentee and early voting is ongoing at City Hall, and will go through Monday, Oct. 5. Unalaska's Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment for early or absentee voting, please call the Clerk's Office at 581-1251.
